The 62% Fe iron ore index rose to $99.79 per dmt CFR Qingdao, while Dalian futures gained 1% to 720 yuan per tonne. Firm coke and finished-steel prices supported trading, and buyers showed increasing interest in alternative Brazilian and non-mainstream fines. Nevertheless, the recovery was not supported by higher hot-metal production. Continued pressure on Chinese steel-mill margins could therefore restrict further gains and keep prices volatile.
